Author: whatsonni

Step into Autumn and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of our shoreline at the brand-new Shorelife Celebration! Join us on Saturday, 5 October at the stunning WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart. With free admission to both venues and complimentary pre-bookable bus travel, it’s the perfect day out for families and nature enthusiasts!

This exciting event, brought to you by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart, offers a rare chance to experience the wonders of our shoreline. Enjoy a day filled with fun activities, engaging talks and tours, live music, and delicious local food and drink. Plus, take advantage of the free ticketed bus service for easy access!

With 115 miles of stunning coastline, Ards and North Down is the perfect place to celebrate our shore. Kids and families will love the interactive games and activities, while guided tours and talks will provide fascinating insights into local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

 

“We are delighted to partner with Mount Stewart and Castle Espie for this fantastic event. The Shorelife Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy free access to both venues. It aims to foster community spirit and environmental stewardship, encouraging everyone to appreciate and protect our beautiful shoreline. The picturesque settings of Mount Stewart and Castle Espie are ideal for this event, offering a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy.”

 

Pre-bookable park and ride services will be available from Newtownards Bus Centre and Dundonald Park and Ride (Dunlady), with stops at both Mount Stewart and Castle Espie.

 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 5 October, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for everyone, including National Trust and WWT Castle Espie members and non-members. Some activities require tickets, so be sure to pre-book in advance. Terms and conditions apply.

 

For more information, visit visitardsandnorthdown.com/Shorelife

 

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of our shore.

The 2024 Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival makes its welcome return to the Borough this October, providing a not-to-be missed showcase that brings together local heritage and the best artisan produce the area has to offer.

The popular annual festival, which runs from Friday 4^th to Sunday 6^th October, embraces the Borough’s reputation as an outstanding food and drink destination, providing a platform for local producers to showcase their sumptuous goods to a wider audience. 

Foodies will be able to indulge in all things salmon & whiskey across the weekend, enjoying live cookery demonstrations and the warm hospitality of Bushmills – and maybe a wee dram or two!

With Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market stalls lining Bushmills Main Street, alongside fantastic live music, ‘meet the maker’ sessions and activities throughout the village, it promises to be a long weekend of fun for all.

New for 2024 for all the whiskey lovers out there will be the ‘Whiskey Hub’, set up at Main Street Car Park. Distillers from across the island of Ireland will host sampling sessions on Sunday, October 6, inviting visitors to come and taste a wide variety of locally produced whiskeys.

With the fantastic regeneration of the old Bushmills Courthouse now complete, the beautifully restored building will offer a programme of events across the weekend, welcoming visitors to see its historic transformation into a shared space and creative hub for the community.

Friday, October 4

To launch the festival, the newly established Community Garden will host various activities throughout the day, in conjunction with Council’s biodiversity officer.

A bespoke Coast & Countryside tour will be available to those looking to explore the food and drink offering of Bushmills and other Causeway Coast businesses. Guided by the wonderful Wendy Gallagher. (Pre-booking required)

https://causewaycoastfoodietours.com/product/salmon-and-whiskey-festival/

A highlight of Friday evening, for those lucky enough to get a ticket, is the Bushmills ‘Supper Club’, brought to you by The Tartine and Slemish Market, a brand-new experience created to captivate the taste buds.

And for those who wish to be indulged, The Bushmills Inn, one of the most idyllic places to eat in Bushmills, is creating a unique dining experience. Working with the finest artisan producers, local farmers, and fishermen to source the very best ingredients, this menu will be a culinary delight. This is a limited capacity event. https://www.bushmillsinn.com/

Saturday, October 5

Ian Orr will cook up a storm in the Main Street cookery area, other local talented chefs will also be demonstrating how to use salmon or whiskey in delicious dishes at Sharvagh House Come along and get a tip or two!

The Courthouse will provide workshops and other great activities, while the Visitor Information Centre will host a taste sampling of products from local artisan producers.

The Bushmills Taste Trail highlights many great restaurants and cafes in the town, welcoming you to try a variety of fresh local dishes comprising of locally sourced ingredients, especially salmon and whiskey, tantalising any foodie. Get your tickets for the trail from the Visitor Information Centre or local Bushmills establishments (The Tartine & Maegden Cheese shop) and guide yourself through the Taste Trail businesses.

Bushmills Distillery will be open all weekend and hosting tours. Naturally North Coast & Glens will host a small market behind the Designerie and meet the maker sessions in the Visitor Information Centre.

Sunday, October 6

Main Street car park and Sharvagh House will host an afternoon of live cookery demonstrations, music and market stalls and activities for kids.

In a first for the festival, Main Street car park will also host a new experience for the whiskey enthusiast – the Bushmills ‘Whiskey Hub’. A select range of local distilleries will host a taste and information session across Sunday afternoon, allowing visitors to taste and experience some of the fine whiskeys on offer across the island of Ireland.

The Outdoor (STREAT) programme will consist of a few fantastic demos with our much-loved foodie ambassador, Paula McIntyre. Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market stalls will line Main Street, alongside Bushmills Distillery Whiskey tastings and tours, cookery demonstrations with various talented local chefs and throughout the weekend there will be musical acts and entertainers to add to the atmosphere.

There will also be a quiet time session for children with additional needs from 11am-12noon.  With many ways to enjoy unique food experiences, this festival is not one to miss!

Please note, DAERA has advised Council that, due to budget constraints, it is sadly unable to open the River Bush Salmon Station to the public as part of this year’s festival, as it had done in the past. In a statement, the DAERA explained: “We recognise this event’s importance to the local area, but the Department must prioritise its resources to meet statutory work business needs above non-statutory work.”

However, on Sunday, October 6, Millennium Park will have a host of fishy activities for young and old, experienced or novice, such as fly casting and fly tying. Come and have a go, see if you can hook something!

Newcastle has all the ingredients you need for a fantastic weekend at the Eats and Beats free food and music festival on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September.

With two music stages, local and Northern Irish food producers, and an abundance of food vendors, it will be jam-packed with live music and a world of cuisine.

Festival goers can sample the finest local produce at the Food Pavilion (sponsored by Lexus Belfast) with over 40 local and Northern Irish artisan food producers to sample from and buy.

It’s here that you will find some of the finest food and drink on show from our Savour Visit Mourne’s producers. Killeavy Castle Estate, Crawford’s Rock and NearyNógs Chocolatiers will also be on hand to inspire you with their culinary experiences. For those who enjoy a tipple or two, local distilleries and craft breweries like Shortcross Gin, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Whitewater Brewery will whet your appetite with some local craft beers, gin, and whiskey.

There will be a wonderful line-up of cookery demonstrations with celebrity chefs dishing up a delicious serving of tasty treats over the festival weekend in the Mourne Flavours Pavilion. From Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador to Great British Menu chefs Paul Cunningham and Melissa McCabe.

Mrs. C’s Home Kitchen will also delight the crowds with her passion for crafting traditional breads and traybakes. Completing the cookery demo lineup will be the Slieve Donard Hotel, Burrendale Hotel and Harbour Inn who will be on hand to inspire us with their culinary creations.

Music lovers can then dance their way around two music stages, which will offer free live performances on the Homegrown and World Stages over the two days.

On the Homegrown stage in Donard Park its two day line-up will be hosted by QRadio presenter, comedian and DJ Ryan Hand.  The festival weekend will see incredible music from the likes of Claudia Buckley, Reevah, and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is joined by the Uplifted Gospel Choir who are sure to add to the festival atmosphere.

Anyone looking for something different will find it at the World Stage in Donard Park, hosted by Ripton Lindsey. Loose yourself in the vibes of Manukahunney, Wilson Magwere, Swar Ahmed, The Navigators of Sound and Havana Roots will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.

Stay tuned to the Visit Mourne Social Media pages where the full festival line-up, carparking and other important festival information will be available throughout the weekend. www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats.

 

A new art installation on the River Lagan commissioned by Belfast 2024, ‘DRIFT’ was launched on Friday August 30.

A collaboration between OGU Architects, MMAS and sound artist Matilde Meireles, DRIFT is a temporary floating pavilion where people can come to enjoy the multisensory experience of being on the water. DRIFT will be open until Sunday September 15 at Stranmillis Weir, with the next location to be announced on Belfast 2024 and DRIFT social media channels.

The Belfast 2024 project aims to draw attention to the vital role that the river plays in the life of the city, and through drawing people onto the water, the team hopes to uncover ways that this better connection between people and their river might create opportunities for the people and wildlife who rely on it. Using a variety of recording techniques that pick up sounds usually out of hearing range, Meireles will reveal aspects of the River Lagan that usually go unnoticed.

Visitors to the DRIFT pavilion can experience Meireles’ work at any time on the structure using individual headsets, or by attending one of three Listening Sessions hosted on the DRIFT space. A series of activities are programmed for the pavilion, including talks about the river ecosystem, arts, writing and plant identification workshops, stargazing, a ‘floating cinema’, yoga, and music.

Speaking at Friday’s launch, Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Andrew McCormick said: “DRIFT is the perfect response to our Belfast 2024 themes of people, place, and planet during our biggest ever city-wide celebration of creativity. This brand-new outdoor spectacle and experience will help to make the River Lagan more accessible to people and give them an opportunity to reflect on the importance of this natural asset to
our city.

“Thanks to the creativity of OGU Architects, MMAS and sound artist Matilde Meireles, I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people enjoy the DRIFT space and the programme of events, whether that’s learning about the river ecosystem, trying a yoga workshop, watching a movie, listening to music, or simply stargazing and enjoying the natural beauty around us.” DRIFT aims to challenge Belfast’s relationship to its waterfront, presenting the River Lagan as a vital public space and habitat. It will also delve into the potential for more wildlife-friendly urban places to be made available along its edge. Engaging with the river’s historical significance and cultural identity, DRIFT will map and reveal significant parts of the Lagan, inviting people and communities to share what is important for them about the river. It is hoped that by sparking people’s curiosity and interest in the Lagan, the project can start a transformative public conversation about the potential of a more accessible river, and how the Lagan’s ecosystem can benefit from a better connection between the city and its waterway.

DRIFT is open to the general public 10am-6pm at Stranmillis Weir until 15th September excluding times when workshops are taking place; check the schedule on www.oguarchitects.com/work/drift.

Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards welcomes two new art exhibitions for the month of September: Unbound Horizons: Navigating Landscapes and Boundaries a group exhibition of sculpture and painting by and Cheryl Bleakley, Grainne Kielty, Sally Young, Lorna Noble and Sandra Robinson and Bated Breath, a solo exhibition by Claudia Rose

Unbound Horizons delves into the boundaries and the ever-shifting landscape of human experience. Through the exploration of mark making in ceramics and paint, the artists examine the interconnectedness of our surroundings and the subtle lines that define them.

Visitors are encouraged to explore how each artist navigates the intricate interplay between the seen and unseen and where the familiar dissolves into the unknown. The exhibition offers a journey that challenges the conventional notions of landscapes and will show in the Arts Centre’s Georgian Gallery.

The Bated Breath exhibition, by Claudia Rose, draws inspiration from the historical relationship of the Ards Peninsula to textile industries in Ireland and influence of Irish Lace. Claudia visualises a sculptural/print homage that connects the intrinsic and laborious nature with contemporary materiality upon the artefacts drawn from a period of socio-cultural poverty, social inequity, and yearning of autonomy.

 

Claudia Rose is a multi-disciplinary artist who observes the collective desire to place sentience upon objects and spaces. This exhibition will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.

 

Both exhibitions open on Thursday 5 September and continue until Saturday 28 September Admission to Ards Arts Centre is free.

 

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 5 September at 7pm.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Follow in the footsteps of golfing legends across NI’s world-class courses

Northern Ireland is Made for Golf, and Tourism NI is ready to ‘putt’ on a show to roll out the red carpet for visitors to the 2024 Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, County Down.

Taking place from September 12-15, the Amgen Irish Open will embrace Northern Ireland’s giant spirit as stars of the sport, Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Billy Horschel, Séamus Power and 21-year-old Tom McKibbin vie for Vincent Norrman’s crown. The Pro-Am will take place on September 11.

It is a giant year for golf in Northern Ireland and the perfect time to practice your championship swing at some of our world-class courses.

Northern Ireland has just been named Best Golf Destination in Western Europe and as the countdown gets underway for the highly anticipated return of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July 2025, your next golf staycation is right on your doorstep.

In addition, many of the top courses across Northern Ireland have adjoining luxury hotels or wonderful places to stay just a short drive away, so you can keep the fun and relaxation going.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together a list of stay and play offers that will get you in the swing for a giant year of golf.

The City Hotel Derry, County Londonderry

Check in at the City Hotel for your next golfer’s getaway from £52.00 B&B per person sharing. The City Hotel in Derry~Londonderry is an ideal base to explore some of the most breathtaking golf courses in Northern Ireland, whilst enjoying a buzzing cultural experience in the beautiful walled city. The offer includes an overnight stay with a full cooked Irish breakfast. Subject to availability (excludes Friday and Saturday, Bank holidays and Special events). To book your next golf break, contact the team on: 02871365800 or email: reservations@cityhotelderry.com or visit www.cityhotelderry.com/golf. Offer valid until Thursday, 6th March 2025.

Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

Another great offer is at the White Horse Hotel for your next golf getaway from £165.00 per person sharing. This includes two rounds of golf at Faughan Valley Golf Club and Foyle Golf Centre along with two nights’ B&B, plus a four-course dinner on one of the selected evenings. Subject to availability. Visit www.whitehorsehotel.biz to book. Offer valid until Monday, 31st March 2025.

Roe Park Resort, Limavady, County Londonderry

From £115 per person sharing, enjoy unlimited golf at Roe Park’s 18 Hole Parkland Golf Course during your overnight stay at Roe Park Resort. The offer also includes a full Irish breakfast. Please quote ‘Discover NI Stay & Play offer’ when redeeming. Subject to availability. Visit www.roeparkresort.com to book. Offer valid now.

Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Follow in the footsteps of golfing giants and enjoy a captivating round of golf on the championship Faldo Course and discover why Lough Erne Resort is a ‘Top 100 Golf Resort in the World’ and the ‘2nd Most Instagrammable Golf Course in the UK’. After a round on this all-weather course, you can relax with an overnight stay in a new luxury guest room and awaken to a lakeside breakfast the next morning with use of the infinity pool at the Thai Spa. Subject to availability.  From only £152.50 per person sharing (October-April) or £225.00 per person sharing (May-September).  Visit www.lougherneresort.com to book. Offer valid until 31 March 2025.

Galgorm, Ballymena, County Antrim

Plan an immersive golfing getaway at Galgorm from £215 per person sharing for one night or £295 per person for two nights. This spectacular offer includes two rounds of golf on their championship Castle Course and an overnight stay in a comfortable Cottage Suite, complete with a complimentary mini-bar and everything you need to ensure a relaxing stay. Succumb to the tranquility of the Thermal Spa Village with a range of indoor and outdoor spa facilities designed to offer a truly unique Irish spa experience. No stay would be complete without a full Irish breakfast. Subject to availability. To book email groups@galgorm.com. Visit www.galgorm.com for more information. Offer valid until 31st December 2024.

The Hedges Hotel and Gracehill Golf Club, Ballymoney, County Antrim

From £80 per person based on two people sharing, including breakfast, enjoy a combination of golf at Gracehill Golf Club and a stay at The Hedges Hotel. A getaway to remember with a relaxing day on the course followed by some exploration of the beautiful surroundings, including the iconic Dark Hedges. Subject to availability. To book email – ivor@gracehillgolfclub.com. Visit www.thehedgeshotel.co.uk for more information. Offer valid until 31st December 2024.

Hillyard House Hotel, Castlewellan, County Down

From £468.00 for two people sharing, experience the ultimate golfing getaway at Hillyard House Hotel with two nights of boutique hotel accommodation in a charming double room, complete with their legendary cooked breakfasts for two each morning. Enjoy three rounds of golf with the Heart of Down Golf Passes (for two people valued at £250), granting access to five of the very best local courses. Subject to availability (with tee times). To book – call +44 (0) 28 4377 1010 or email reception@hillyardhospitality.com. Visit www.hillyard-house.co.uk for more information. Offer valid until Tuesday, 31st December 2024.

The Orchard, Newcastle, County Down

Whether you’re perfecting your swing on world-class fairways, savoring ocean sunsets, or exploring mountain trails, this haven of elegance offers the perfect base for an unforgettable retreat. Offers include three nights mid-week stay (Mon-Thurs) accommodation for up to seven people for £1,000, or three nights weekend stay (Thurs – Mon) accommodation for up to seven people for £1,100, plus the Heart of Down Golf Pass for £120 per person. To book call +44 (0) 7803 203 650 or email pauline@staymourne.com. Visit www.staymourne.com for more information. Offer valid until 31^st March 2025. Subject to availability.

Denvir’s Coaching Inn, Downpatrick, County Down

From £100 per person based on two people sharing, in association with St. Patrick’s Golf Course, Denvir’s Downpatrick are pleased to offer guests an overnight stay with full Irish Breakfast, that includes one round of golf at St. Patrick’s Golf Course, using Promo Code: STPATRICK1. Subject to availability

Or from £240 per person sharing enjoy a two-night stay at Denvir’s Downpatrick with cooked breakfast each morning before exploring the picturesque golf courses of County Down with their golfing getaway package, featuring three rounds of golf as part of the ‘Heart of Down’ golf pass. Enjoy the opportunity to play three rounds of golf at your choice of the following clubs: Ardglass Golf Club, St. Patrick’s Golf Club, Kilkeel Golf Club, Spa Golf Club, Warrenpoint Golf Club, using Promo Code: HEARTOFDOWN. Subject to availability. Visit www.denvirs.com for more information.

Avoca Hotel, Newcastle, County Down

From £518 per room based on two people sharing, enjoy Avoca Hotel’s exclusive Play & Stay package, offering two or three nights of bed and breakfast along with three rounds of golf for two. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or an active holiday, this charming hotel and local pristine golf courses provide the perfect escape. To book call +44(0) 28 4372 2253 or email info@avocahotel.com. Subject to availability. Offer valid until Tuesday, 31st December 2024. Visit www.avocahotel.com for more information.

The Cuan, Strangford, County Down

Starting from £189 per person, stay at The Cuan and avail of the exclusive Golf pass which includes 5 clubs Ardglass, Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Spa and St Patrick (Downpatrick).  With this offer you can choose to play three out of the five courses. Call the reservations team at +44 (0)28 4488 1222 to book your Golf Pass & Stay. Subject to availability. Offer valid until Monday 28th October 2024. Please contact info@thecuan.com for more information and visit www.thecuan.com.

Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor, County Down

From £290 for two guests, enjoy a golfing stay and play at Clandeboye Lodge with The Perfect Round – Clandeboye GC Championship Dufferin offer. Situated on the grounds of Clandeboye Estate, Clandeboye Golf Club is perfect for more accomplished players. Play the Dufferin course, one of the highest rated championship courses on the island of Ireland, before returning to the luxury of the hotel and the Coq & Bull brasserie to discuss the finer shots of the day. Offer includes one-night B&B, three-course dinner and one round on 18-hole Dufferin course.

Or from £245 for two guests, enjoy a golfing stay and play at Clandeboye Lodge with their Perfect Round – Blackwood GC Par 3 offer. With the stunning Blackwood Golf Centre only a decent 5-iron away, enjoy a hassle-free golfing break to suit you. Play the Par 3 course before returning to the luxury of the hotel and the Coq & Bull brasserie to discuss the finer shots of the day. Offer includes one-night B&B, three-course dinner, one round on 18-hole Par 3 course & 250 balls on driving range. Subject to availability. Visit www.clandeboyelodge.com for more information.

Canal Court Hotel and Spa, Newry, County Down

From £379 per person sharing, enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast included and a golf pass per person which includes three golf courses from the following: Ardglass Golf Course; Kilkeel Golf Course; Spa Golf Club; Warrenpoint Golf Club; St Patrick’s Golf Club. Valid Sunday to Thursday throughout year, subject to availability. Offer valid until Friday, 25th April 2025. Visit www.canalcourthotel.com for more information.

All offers are subject to availability, terms and conditions apply, and please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

For more information on golf courses and for more golf stay & play offers in Northern Ireland, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Or follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #NIMadeforGolf.

Northern Ireland’s foremost physical theatre organisation, Bruiser Theatre Company, has announced that its production of Kat Woods’ engaging and relevant drama, Wasted, is set to visit The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, on 21^st September 2024 as part of an NI wide theatre tour.

Following its opening night at Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, this production visits The Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, and the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, with a come-home final week run at The MAC, Belfast.

Wasted, by award-winning playwright Kat Woods, is a socio-political play that explores themes of binge drinking and sexual assault. Join Oli, Emma, and their mates on a night out; drinking, flirting, and clubbing. It’s the morning after the night before and Oli and Emma try to piece together the night’s events through the blurry haze of a dubious hangover. Wasted illuminates that grey area in the sexual relationship after a few too many drinks. The characters are not sure what has happened; both suffering from post-alcoholic amnesia. They are both secure in the fact that sex happened but, where alcohol puts the female in a state unable, legally, to consent to sex, our characters continually ask ‘what happened’ as they are marched through the legal system.

Enniskillen playwright, Kat Woods says:

“[Wasted] is a story focusing on a minority voice represented on the stage based on true events. A minority voice that seems to reflect the majority, when it comes to consent and drunken sex.”

Wasted is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Halifax Foundation and Belfast City Council.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Bruiser thanks to game-changing funding from The National Lottery.  This new production demonstrates the power of the arts in giving people a voice, and in shining a light on important issues to create dialogue and positive social change.  We wish everyone involved great success with what promises to be a compelling and emotive performance and I would encourage everyone to go along.”

Bruiser Theatre Company is renowned for its fast-paced, energetic, and engaging performances. Featuring fantastic local actors, Sharon Duffy and Warren McCook, and under the meticulous direction of Lisa May, Wasted promises to creatively explore the consequences of what can happen when lines, and memories, are blurred.

Lisa May, Bruiser’s Artistic Director said “Wasted is a raw and at times brutal piece that makes us feel uncomfortable. And we should. It is an extremely relevant and interventionist piece, which raises awareness of taboo subjects, sparking debate. Wasted has all the elements to attract new and diverse audiences; challenging, provoking, connecting and entertaining them in equal measure. It is brave, unapologetic storytelling at its best.”

To book tickets for the performance of Wasted at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre visit www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or contact the Box Office on 03300 561 025